Joseph R. Sweeney

MADISON-Joseph R. Sweeney, cherished husband, dad, Papa, father-in-law, and friend, died peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012, due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. Joe was born on Sept. 15, 1928, in Madison, the son of Joseph F. Sweeney and Elizabeth (Turner) Sweeney. He attended grade school in Madison and graduated from East High School in 1946. Joe joined the U.S. Army right out of high school and was in the service for two years. He attended UW-Madison and Madison Business College, graduating with a degree in accounting. Joe then traveled out to Richland, Wa. to work with his father for the Atomic Energy Commission. Upon one of his visits to Madison, he met his best friend and his “doll”, Jackie Ray. Joe and Jackie were married in 1952, and made Madison their permanent home. Joe worked for Garden City Foundry in Stoughton for two years, and in 1953, was hired at Madison Bookkeeping and Tax Service, where he continued to work for 56 years. He managed the firm from 1958 until 1968, purchasing it in 1968, and running it until it was sold in 1985. Joe continued working part-time with his clients at MB&TS until 2006, at which time he officially retired. Joe was an active member in the National Society of Public Accountants, the Association of Business Accountants, and the East Side Optimist Club of Madison. Joe always looked forward to the times he and Jackie would vacation in Florida. The two of them were great Badger fans and supporters for many years.

His family is very grateful for the love and compassion shown by the Madison VA Hospital staff and the staff at Badger Prairie Health Care Center.

Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 23, 2012. A Memorial Mass will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CHURCH, 5101 Schofield Street, Monona, at 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for a fund to be established at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Memorials:In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for a fund to be established at a later date.

Visitation:Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 23, 2012.